God created us to connect with other people – our own relatives came first; we’re not to isolate

The Bright Side of Relating
Connectedness – Part 1

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Another bright side of relating to our relations is the energy and life it will put within us. Of course, this result comes when there is a positive relationship. This study will show the importance of working at making our relationships a positive experience.

A British scientist found that children who play near their mothers are more creative than children playing at a distance from her. This close connectedness produced a boldness and feelings of safety that allowed the children to take more risks. They showed more energy and laughed more than children outside that circle of connectedness. (John Ortberg, “The Me I Want to Be,” page 183.)

The power of connectedness must not be minimized. When we feel loved we enjoy more energy. Life can be slowly drained out of us when we lose feelings of connectedness. This leads all of us to the personal question of, are we putting forth effort to connect? Are we trying to relate to our relations? God created us to connect, not isolate. Our first connection is with our parents. Do we honor that connection and try to show proper respect? Of course, this will look differently in each individual family. It doesn’t mean that there isn’t a need for boundaries. It means I want to enjoy, as much as possible, the benefits to me when connected. Tomorrow we will look at our other connecting points.

Father, you are my Creator God and I want to honor the design you put within me.Help me to connect to those around me.In Jesus’ Name, amen.